Presence of human herpesviruses in young children with acute otitis media

Some herpesviruses have been detected in middle ear fluid (MEF) of patients with acute otitis media (AOM), but their role in middle ear disease is unknown. We examined 73 middle ear fluid samples from 73 children with acute otitis media for the presence of four major herpesviral DNA, respiratory viral genomes, and bacterial DNA by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Herpesviruses were detected in 16 specimens (22%), with 18 viral infections were identified overall. Respiratory viruses were detected in 35 specimens (48%), 39 viral infections overall. Bacterial DNA was detected in 51 specimens (70%), 60 bacterial infections overall. Clinical outcome was compared in patients with and without herpesvirus DNA, respiratory viral genomes, or bacterial DNA. Progression to otitis media with effusion (OME) was more common when herpesviral DNA was present. Presence of herpesvirus DNA may reflect an immunocompromised state that may make it difficult to eliminate bacteria from the middle ear after infection.